how to care for leather bags & purses

A well crafted leather bag last for generations, however without the appropriate care, it’s vulnerable to drying out and staining.

A well crafted leather bag can last for generations, however without the appropriate care it can be vulnerable to drying out and staining.

Here are our tips for keeping your leather bags and purses clean, soft and supple, including daily use, care & maintenance and storage:

daily use

Leather doesn’t react well to too much water, so use an umbrella if it rains when you are out and about
Leather can stretch and lose its shape, so do not overfill your leather bag or purses.
If possible, avoid hanging your bag by the straps in a cloakroom, as the straps can stretch - see if there is somewhere you can place your bag instead.
Avoid placing your bag in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time - search for a shaded area where you are able to.
Be careful of jewellery, belt buckles and any other items of clothing which could scratch or scuff your leather accessories.

Dust your bag with a soft cloth (we recommend Town Talk’s Microfibre Polishing Cloth) at least once a week to remove surface grime from your bag. If convenient, you may wish to store a clean cloth in your bag so that you have it on hand.
Regularly condition your leather bag with Town Talk’s Leather Cream Spray. The formula has been perfected with a unique blend of ingredients including lanolin, beeswax and carnauba wax. It will not only give your leather bag a deeper clean, but will also help prevent it from drying out and maintain its natural suppleness.
If you do happen to spill something on your bag, blot (don’t wipe) it immediately to minimise the amount that your bag can absorb.
If your bag becomes stained and the usual care methods do not help, consult with a professional cleaner who will be able to assist.

Store your leather items away from sunlight or heat sources, such as radiators, which can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
Empty your bag before placing it in storage to avoid stretching or warping of the leather.
Store your leather bags in a cloth dust bag (or a white pillowcase if you do not own one). Do not use plastic, as it does not allow the bags to ‘breathe.’
For prolonged storage: wrap zips, clasps and any metal detailing on the straps in tissues, to avoid indentations forming on the leather.
You can also place an appropriate amount of tissue paper inside the bag to maintain the shape.
Do not hang your bag by the straps to store it, which can cause them to stretch. Allow your bag to stand on the base, and ensure that nothing obstructs the straps from standing.
Ensure that the leather item is not in contact with any colourful fabrics, as the dye could seep into your leather item.
Before placing your leather bag or purse in storage, dust it with a soft cloth and use Town Talk’s Leather Cream Spray. This will ensure that there is no dust or grime that will be allowed to settle into the surface whilst your bag is out of use.

We hope that these tips help you to get the best out of your leather accessories. Check our tips on how to care for leather furniture next!